The security cover for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has been upgraded to the ‘Z’ category, as per sources from the Union Home Ministry. The Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned this upgrade based on an intelligence report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), although the specifics of the threat perception report remain undisclosed.
The ‘Z’ category security protocols entail a comprehensive security detail. A total of 33 security personnel, including CRPF commandos, have been assigned to safeguard Kumar. This includes 10 armed static guards at Kumar’s residence, six personal security officers (PSOs) providing round-the-clock protection and 12 armed commandos working in three shifts to escort him. Additionally, two watchers per shift and three trained drivers are on standby to ensure Kumar’s safety at all times.
This decision comes amidst heightened political turmoil, with opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress protesting against the Election Commission. The move is particularly significant as it coincides with preparations for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections that are set to begin on April 19.
Rajiv Kumar, a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch, took charge as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. Before this, he had been appointed as an election commissioner in the poll body on September 1, 2020.
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