RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Security Now On Par With Amit Shah
Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, Mohan Bhagwat’s security has been upgraded from the “Z-Plus” category to the Advanced Security Liaison, or ASL protocol, bringing his security level on par with that of Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The change, issued on August 16, comes in response to a fresh threat analysis report submitted by the Intelligence Bureau to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Currently, only ten individuals are covered by the Z plus security provided by personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
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Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are some of the individuals who receive Z plus security with ASL.
The extra ASL protection is given to some of these individuals based on a threat analysis.
The threat perception report for the RSS chief follows threats perceived from different organisations, including radical Islamist groups, stated ANI. The review revealed that Bhagwat’s security cover was found slacking during his visits to states ruled by non-BJP parties.
The upgrade includes anti-sabotage checks and multi-layered security rings. Only a specially designed aircraft with a very strict protocol is allowed for chopper travel. It also involves liaison with local agencies such as police, district administrations, and healthcare institutions.
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Reportedly, an advanced team is sent to assess entry and exit routes to analyse all contingency plans following ASL. The ASL drill includes site assessments, advance planning, threat analysis, and coordination with police.
